Iran: Smokers to be banned from top executive jobs

Tehran, Jul 20: Iran has taken its anti-smoking crusade one step further by now banning smokers from applying for high-ranking executive jobs in the government.

News agency ILNA on Monday, Jul 19 reported that the cabinet has passed the new regulations which prohibits people who smoke or drink alcohol or take any kind of drugs from executive posts.

The regulation, which was passed keeping in mind the mental and physical health of future executive officials, will take effect when signed by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The new norms are being mainly perceived as part of the Iranian government's anti-smoking campaign as alcohol is already banned in the Islamic nation and drugs are illegal.

If the rejected applicants protest, the final decision is to be made by a medical council from the medical university of their hometowns on whether the required health conditions are met or not, the news agency reported.